Week Two Learning Plan- Reaching for the Stars from Our Own Backyards

Our theme this week is Under the Sea.

I’ve tailored everything for MY backyard and encourage you to do the same. I know we’ll be going to the aquarium this week; so what better theme than Under the Sea? The letters, numbers, and shapes I chose to focus on are all relevant to our current happenings and my ultimate goals for my daughter.

Customize things for YOUR “backyard.” Be intentional and plan, but also remember to be flexible. Make ENJOYING your time together the highest priority.

This Week’s Plan:

LETTER(S) OF THE WEEK: Z for Zora, O for octopus, R for reef, A for anemone

NUMBER OF THE WEEK: 2

SHAPE OF THE WEEK: Star

BOOK OF THE WEEK: “Ocean Life” by Jill McDonald (See read aloud below.)

EMOTIONS: Happy, Sad, Angry/Mad, Excited, Scared

SIGHT WORDS: Name card, Daddy, Mommy, Yes, No (same as last week)

CRAFT: Underwater pictures (painting with Caitie’s Classroom); Aquarium Diorama (fingers crossed)

We’ll continue using the alphabet and number chart. My word wall will switch from insect picture cards to sea animal picture cards.

We’ll continue with Mommy-daughter yoga and add sea animal movements to our dance breaks. Below you’ll find a few pictures of our work spaces as well as links to videos I’ll be using this week.

Have an amazing week Reaching for the Stars from Your Own Backyards!

A Peek Into My Backyard: Reflections, Admissions, Progress, & Highlights

In reality, I am a perfectionist who doesn’t always give attention to detail.

I tend to move about quickly and take a long time to get things done at the same time.

I am a paradox of exceptionality and imperfection…and today I own it.

I woke up around 1AM yesterday morning. I fell asleep before closing out my evening. When I woke up at 1, I jumped in the shower, brushed my teeth, and put final touches on small heart gestures for my daughter: I wrote affirmations on colorful bug picture pages, slipped them in plastic covers and taped them at her eye level around the house. (We’ve been studying insects and bugs, what better way to end her week?)

As I reflect on our first week of reaching for the stars, I’m deeming it a successful week. Did it go perfectly? No. Did I follow my plan to the T? Of course not. Nevertheless, this has been a good week- exhausting but good.

Here’s a recap of the week, some highlights, reflections and goals for next week.

The Schedule

So, I finally got the schedule together. We visit it in the morning and throughout the day after tasks are complete. I ask, “Have you____already?” My daughter usually says, “yes.” We say, “All done,” and I guide her with flipping the card over.

I like the concept, but have given myself grace and liberty to rearrange the cards even in the middle of the day to adjust to our flow. It’s not a rigid schedule. For example, Monday, we had a 9AM dentist appointment. Things had to shift. Tuesday, I decided to go to the library for Story Time and to check out books. Thursday by 10AM, she was teething, sleepy, and fussy. I just had to pause everything and let her lay down…and I started a movie. :) My ideal schedule ends at 12, but in reality, we hit some of our picture cards later in the afternoon some days.

The Calendar

Um, so I wouldn’t consider myself controlling, but trying to navigate a linear calendar with my daughter makes me question myself LOL. I wanted her to cross off ONE day at a time with a neat little slash. Um, she’s about to be two and wants independence. I’ll get my life together next week and guide her hand less, allowing her more liberty in crossing off dates.

Word Wall for Theme

So, we learned about insects and bugs this week. It was more so a about exposure and repetition for me. We’d visit the word wall, and I’d point to the word and say the name for each picture. Eventually, she’d point and ask, “What’s this?” I’d tell her and ask her the same question, “What’s this?”

A Special Place

I used her table as her special place to leave surprises and smaller picture cards for her to play with when she ate snacks.

Thank God for Caitie’s Classroom!

We don’t know it all and don’t have time to do it all. It’s important to leverage our resources. I thank God for Caitie’s Classroom on YouTube. We watched this video (or at least some of it) about four days out of the week. She already had a lesson and songs on bugs. I’d run and grab one of our picture cards for Zora to make the connection between what we had on our wall and table and what Caitie was showing us.

Improvising and Teachable Moments

I let Zora move use her picture cards while eating snack and watching Caitie’s Classroom. My teething toddler started putting the cards in her mouth and tearing them. SMH. So, I used it as a teachable moment. We apologized to the insects for hurting them and used the pieces as jigsaw puzzles and reassembled them.

Free Writing, Fine Motor, and Brain-break for Mommy

I would write Zora’s name or draw the shape of the week and let Zora “draw” or “write” what I wrote and just have time playing with the dry erase board. This would give me a chance to check my email, take a call, etc.

Work with Shapes

I clipped shapes and numbers to the back of a canvas board each day and let her color. I added vocabulary to these coloring sessions by talking about the shape of the week (heart) and the numerals 1-3.

This has been a week filled with planned and unplanned activities, energy bursts and energy lows, cooked meals and fast food, a successful dish and dish I completely bombed. I’ve had moments when my patience started thinning and moments when I felt overwhelmed. Nevertheless, I count this week a success because I let learning flow. I gave myself and my daughter grace when we needed it. I refocused on anchor truths when I started to get overwhelmed or felt like I was falling short. We grabbed some stars this week and will continue to reach for more from our own backyard.

Some personal aspirations for next week:

• I’d like to drink less soda…

• I’d like to do more personal reading and studying…

• I’d like to exercise twice…

…all while continuing to let learning flow with my daughter.

I’ll be back soon with Week Two’s plan. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

AJM Ellis

Reaching for the Stars from Our Own Backyards: Week One

I’m not going to lie, before about 2AM, I didn’t really feel ready to start our at-home learning sessions, but around midnight, I woke up with a little energy and motivation and started pulling loose ends together. I had to remind myself of the power and potential in starting where you are with what you have. I had to remind myself that the aim this summer is an enjoyment of growth and learning, not the stress of perfectionistic pursuits. With that said, here’s where I’m starting this week:

A Carved Out Space

I picked spots in my workroom/studio a designated them as learning stations.

The table will display our books of the week and house any new toys we’ll explore.

This week we’re working on numerals 1, 2, 3- identifying and quantifying.

Our shape of the week is a heart.

Since my goal is for Zora to recognize her name, what better letters to start with for the week than letters in her name. Our letters are Z and A this week.

The pocket chart will eventually be her picture schedule.

The paper towel rolls are for making dragonflies. Our theme this week is Insects.

Summer Journal

This journal will hold my weekly plans and daily reflections on our time together.

It also gives me a central location to keep up with dietary and behavioral information for doctor’s visits and for meal adjustments.

I’m also hoping that years later, we’ll look back on this journal together and cherish some of the reflection entries.

Behind My Door..

This pocket chart will be used for counting and number recognition this week.

It also displays picture/word cards for our theme this week.

From Canvas Cart to Alphabet Chart

I used my canvas cart to be the stand for my alphabet chart. Although we’ll focus on one or two letters each week, we’ll review all of them daily.

Back of the Door

I picked four words that I want Zora to practice reading and recognizing by sight. These will change each week. I’ll put my finger on the line and slide it as I read the word to her each day and have her mimic me.

Linear Calendar on the Floor

As another means of looking at numerals in chronological order, I made a linear calendar. I’ll put picture cards on it for special activity days. Zora will help me cross out the numbers as we make our way through the month.

Summer Learning Plan, Goals and More

In transparency, I’ve allowed myself to get overwhelmed here and there as I close out the current school year, manage everyday life things, and try to plan and prepare for the summer. Fortunately, I’ve been able to pull myself back to a place of calm and perspective: This is not a summer of pressure. This is a summer of intentionality as we ENJOY learning, growing and playing. This is a summer of rest as well…

I’m learning to be gracious with myself as well as set more realistic deadlines and goals for myself. With that said, I plan to really hit the ground running with implementation the week of June 13th. Below you will see a glimpse into my planning and preparing brain. The dates for travel and classes have been changed a little to guard a degree of privacy for my family while still being transparent with what my plan looks like.

The Stars I’m Reaching for…

Our theme is reaching for the stars from our own backyards. These stars/goals are what are guiding my plans and activities.

Your stars may be completely different depending on your family’s needs and your child(ren)’s ages(s).

At a Glance

I broke the summer down into weekly chunks. I’m visual, so this helps me to better conceptualize time and major changes to daily routines. I highlighted weeks that will be more difficult to maintain my learning plan routine (for example summer camp, visiting family, and family vacation). Part of being successful and at peace is setting realistic goals and expectations. In order to do this, I needed to really take into account the impact of changes in schedule and routine. I have to EMBRACE fluctuation AHEAD OF TIME.

The Daily Schedule

Ideally, I want to have structure for Zora between 9-12. This is the time I want to be most intentional about structured learning activities. I personally have online courses and tasks that I need to complete before the next school year. Therefore, I’m depending on structure, routine and naptime to get things done to meet personal goals.

I REALLY want Zora to use a picture schedule this summer. I want to use it as an opportunity to have her prepare mentally and emotionally for what’s coming up in her day. The highlighted parts of the schedules will be icons on her kid-friendly schedule. (Pictures to come soon.)

Ingredient List

Like a recipe, I have a list of ingredients or focus areas that I’m hoping to blend together. You may be able to taste the flavor of a good pound cake- lemon, vanilla, etc. However, you should NOT be able to taste flour, egg, salt separately. Similarly, there are some things that will be distinct activities while others will be infused in play or other tasks/activities. (Examples coming soon.)

The itemized list helps with my planning, gathering and purchasing.

Aware of Needs and Resources

This list will change and evolve as plans and awareness of needs and resources change.

Last But Not Least

My to-do-lists keep me going. So despite my elaborate plans lol, I still need a basic to-do-list to check off so I don’t get lost in the weeds of planning.

Mommy Goals- Parents, Teachers, Caretakers should take themselves into account. The healthier we are, the better care we can give.

Questions: It’s important to know what we don’t know and get help. I can write a lesson plan, but toddlerhood is unchartered territory for me. So I read and listen and allow others who are further along than me to help me navigate. Ultimately we have to do what works for our household. Nevertheless, information is helpful.

“Written hopes, dreams, and plans have a greater chance of coming to fruition than those that stay in our head alone.” AJM Ellis

Gathering Before Buying

In less than a week, I’ll be posting the learning plan and schedule I intend to use for the summer. I’m telling myself ahead of time to be prepared, but also to BE FLEXIBLE. Remember, we’re not stressing this summer. We’re planning and preparing to ENJOY “Reaching for the Stars in Our Own Backyards.” This is about seeing and maximizing learning and development opportunities in our everyday lives.

I work on a teacher’s schedule. So I am primarily off work during the summer. I have some projects and tasks I need to take care of, but for the most part my schedule is more flexible than someone who is working remotely or has to go into the office. With that said, do what works for you. I’m just sharing my learning plan, ideas and processes because it helps me grow. I’m also sharing in hopes that it sparks ideas and stirs encouragement in the hearts of other parents and caregivers.

Okay, let me get on topic. Today’s post is about GATHERING before you buy. My husband will tell you, I can get excited about a new recipe or art project and want to quickly buy supplies. He’s always telling me to check what we have first. It annoys me at times, but if I’m honest, it’s great advice and has saved us money time and time again. It never fails, after I check the cabinet for seasonings or my art closet for supplies, I always find something that was on my “to buy” list. (Where’s the eye-rolling emoji when I need it? LOL)

With that said, as I’ve been planning activities for the summer- and putting items on my Amazon “saved for later” list- I’ve been putting to the side items I could use. I still have some more “gathering” to do. As I gather and as I take an honest look at what my priority activities will be, my “saved for later” list gets smaller.

Things I’m keeping in mind as I gather (and add to my Amazon list LOL):

• I know that I want to make a schedule for my daughter to manage by moving picture cards.

• I know that I want to have a print rich environment (surround her with relevant words/labels/vocabulary).

• I know that I want to work with the alphabet.

• I know I want to have buckets with items ready for usage (especially for days that are not going smoothly as well as days when I am less motivated or tired).

• I want to do crafts.

• I want to have a theme each week: Transportation, Under the Sea, Bugs, Weather, etc.

• I want to make vehicles out of boxes.

• I want to make an aquarium out of a box.

I still have some gathering to do. I may or may not use all of the things I’m setting aside. The point is, I’m gathering things so that I can at lease SEE and KNOW WHAT I HAVE. Similar to gathering tangible items, I’ve also been “gathering” YouTube videos for learning songs, yoga for kids, etc. Some of the items still on my “to buy” list are: play dough, sea animals, a Mindfulness activity book for toddlers, a water table, magnets for an interactive schedule, etc. Even as I list the things I still want to buy, I know I could get around buying some of them. For example, there are online recipes for play dough. There are also articles I could glean from for mindfulness activities for toddlers. We’ll see what I actually purchase. For now, back to gathering and planning.

Let me know what items from home you’re using as learning tools.

We can all glean ideas from each other and save our pockets.

Best wishes as you gather for the summer!

Taking Inventory and Preparing

As we prepare to REACH FOR THE STARS FROM OUR OWN BACKYARDS, it’s important that we prepare. Here are some tidbits as you prepare. I’ll be posting examples of things I’m doing to prepare with in the next week as well.

• Assess your capacity (time, space, calendar of events)

• Assess your desires and priorities (What do you want for your child, your family, and yourself this summer?)

• Take Inventory (What do you already have? Ideally we want to explore ways to use what we have, minimizing the need to buy extra items.)

• Determine indicators of where your child is. (School reports, conversations with teachers, benchmark/milestone lists, etc.)

• Check out benchmarks for the next school year or developmental year. (Remember every child develops differently and at various paces. (I just use benchmarks as a gauge and use the indicators to help develop activities and routines. I do NOT let them define my daughter’s potential.)

• Take a break from thinking and planning if you feel anxious. This is NOT a summer of pressure. It’s a summer of exploration, fun, and growth.

• Start creating buckets, folders, and/or lists for summer activities around the house or in the car. (This way once we begin, you won’t get overwhelmed with planning and organizing.)

• Prepare a resource area/bucket in each frequently and commonly used space to make it easier for you to have accessible activities. [Ex. Bathroom book (could be a shoebox); kitchen bucket for magnetic learning toys for the refrigerator; storage bin in living room etc.]

Create a Library and Reading Space.

LIBRARIES

If you haven’t started a library yet, you can create one by designating bins for books or reserving a space on one of your shelves to hold and display your child’s books.

READING SPACES

Kids can make reading forts or reading corners using pillows and sheets from home. Make the reading space even more magical with a string of Christmas lights and a flashlight for nighttime reading.

Take Inventory of the Books You Already Have

Don’t disregard books from earlier developmental stages! We’ll be able to use many different types of books this summer. Also, hold on to those favorites and well used books. We can also amplify their learning with the questions we ask as they revisit familiar books.

EXAMPLES

1.) OLD BOOKS FROM YOUNGER YEARS: The “First 100 Words” books are great for early readers as well. You can cover the pictures with sticky notes and have your child practice sounding out the words. They can check themselves by lifting the sticky note. OR they can use the book to help with the spelling of words as they journal this summer. (I’ll be using it to help Zora identify nouns.)

2.) EXPANDING THE SERIES/COLLECTION: Sometimes children take a particular liking to certain books. If it’s a book within a series or a book by an author who has other books; encourage their excitement by adding to the collection at a pace that works with your budget. (Llama, Llama has become our bestfriend. I’ll share more later.)

3.) FAVORITES &/OR WELL USED BOOKS:

It’s said that “Repetition is the key to learning.” So let your little ones and not-so-little ones reread the books they love. They can even read them aloud to younger cousins, neighbors, or siblings. When they are ready to move on, they can also do a book swap between children in their circle.

Opportunities for Learning Are All Around

You have more than what you might think to get you started. There are learning opportunities/resources all around you. Here are some examples:

1.) Stairs - counting, skipping counting as you climb the steps (We’re on numerals 1-20, but use them to skip count with older children.)

2.) Magnets - my new best friend- use on the refrigerator, washer and dryer, or other surfaces around you and let kids identify, sort, match numbers and letters with objects. (We’re on identifying animals; so my husband and I call out an animal and our daughter either puts it on or takes it off the fridge. ) Children can match beginning and ending letters with the magnetic objects that you have while you cook dinner or sort laundry.

3.) Car Rides- Read aloud to favorite stuffed animals. I’ve picked books that I’ve memorized LOL so I can help my daughter or call out the text while I drive. (Don’t judge me. LOL)

4.) Meals - I have a young toddler; so meals are an opportunity for me to have our daughter practice fine motor skills. “Hold and scoop,” you’d hear me say if you were over during dinner. I’m trying to have her practice holding the side of her container and using the spoon to scoop her food. (More to come on mealtime opportunities)

5.) Stickers - As mentioned before, we’re on “identification,” but if my daughter was older, I’d have her use stickers to create a story with words and pictures. She could use stickers in place of some words.

Reaching for the Stars from Our Own Backyards: Community Classroom Summer 2021

REACHING FOR THE STARS FROM OUR OWN BACKYARDS: Community Classroom Summer 2021

May this be a summer of greatness and growth from our own kitchens, car rides, living rooms, and backyards…

Summer 2021 Goals:

1. To provide a source of support for parents, guardians, and caretakers as we equip our children to fulfill their potential;

2. To share ideas and resources to help integrate at-home learning into our everyday lives (particularly during our children’s 2021 summer vacations);

3. To provide a platform for sharing lessons learned, tips, and encouragement as we juggle it all;

4. To provide a platform for celebrating the efforts and growth of our children.

For the Summer of 2021, I’ll be sharing lessons learned, simple learning plans and activities that I am personally implementing as well as variations of those activities for older learners. I’ll also be sharing ideas and tips from a few contributing parents. Feel free to share in the comment section learning plans, activities, or routines that are working for you and your family this summer.

Lastly, I’ll be highlighting the stories and strides of amazing young people in the community. If your young one is doing amazing work or making great strides, feel free to share using the form below. I’ll pick a story every so often to share. Let’s work together to help our kids continuously grow and let’s celebrate their progress and efforts along the way!

I’ll kick off my first learning plan post on Memorial Day weekend. Until then, stay tuned for summer preparation nuggets, and feel free to start sharing your stories, plans, summer activities below.

At a Glance: Community Classroom w/ Zora Bea and Mindful Art Summer Sessions

It’s my honor to have you join us in the Community Classroom with Zora Bea! Whether you’re looking for academic nuggets or reflective art, it’s all been consolidated to one post for your convenience.

Below you will find:

• ALL of the Community Classroom post during the March to May distance learning time frame

• All seven Mindful Art Summer Session posts

• A few of the videos about the posts

• A space for you to share your reflections and thoughts

It’s been my honor serving you during this season!

So long for now!

In His Love & by His Grace.

AJM Ellis

“Mindful Art”

(Summer Sessions of reflective art)

“Community Classroom”

(academic resources during distance learning)

What’s on YOUR mind?

Use the comment section below to share nuggets of inspiration or lessons learned during this period of social distancing and quarantining.

Keep Reaching for the stars

with love,

Community Classroom with Zora Bea

Mindful Art Summer Session 7 of 7: “High Hopes”

This Week’s Theme: “High Hopes”

Morning Positive Affirmations Video By SandZ Affirmations: Click HERE

Journal Prompt:

Cloud watch for at least 15 minutes this week. Set a timer if you need to. What do you see? Do any of the clouds for images or other objects? Where do you thoughts drift to while watching the clouds?

• Write about your experience cloud watching.

• What are some things you hope for? Make a list.

7 Habits of Happy Kids:

Habit #7: Sharpen the Saw

Read aloud: “Goob & His Grandpa”

Visual/Literary Art Project: High Hopes

For our final week, we have two projects: a hot air balloon and a cloud pillow. Follow the steps below for each project.

Making the Balloon

1. Fold an index card or thick piece of paper in half.

2. Draw half of a balloon shape.

3. Cut the balloon out.

4. Use the balloon to trace six other balloons.

5. Decorate your balloon pieces.

6. Cut five of the balloons in half.

7. Glue three balloons on each side of the uncut balloon.

Making the box for the hot air balloon

1. Fold an index card or thick paper along the edges creating two parallel lines and a smaller rectangle in the center.

2. Cut a small slit at the ends of the rectangle so that you can fold the edges in.

3. Fold the sides in and glue them i n place.

4. Glue the MIDDLE of a piece of string along the BOTTOM of the box. It should leave you with a strip of string on each side of your box.

Putting it all together…

1. Glue both ends of the string to the bottom of the balloon top.

2. Glue a short piece of strip to the top of the balloon so that the balloon can hang.

3. On strips of paper, write down some of your hopes.

4. Place your hopes IN your balloon basket and/or on the outside of your balloon basket,

Cloud Pillows

1. Cut a poster board in half.

2. Trace the shape of a cloud on one of the balloons.

3. Stack the poster board pieces and cut the cloud out. You should have two cloud pieces.

4. Use a hole punch or scissor to make holes around the boarder of the cloud.

5. Tie a string in a knot through one of the holes to connect the boards.

6. Thread the string through most of the holes. Leave a section open so you can fill your cloud.

7. Fill your cloud with cotton balls or scraps of paper.

Putting it all together

1. Finish sewing your cloud closed. Tie a knot after the last hole is threaded.

2. Write one of your hopes on each side of the pillow.

I’d LOVE to hear from you and see your amazing work!

Feel free to share your work! Tag me on Instagram @PiecesofAJM I’d love to celebrate your work!

Also, if you have any questions or comments about any of the lessons, submit them using the form below.

Hope lifts…Hope heals…Hope gives life…Keep Hoping!

Mindful Art Summer Session 6 of 7: “Some Kind of Beautiful”

This Week’s Theme: “Some Kind of Beautiful”

Morning Positive Affirmations Video By SandZ Affirmations: Click HERE

Journal Prompt:

What does it mean to be beautiful?

What are some things around you that you find beautiful? These could be things or people in your home or community.

7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey:

Habit 6: Synergize

Read Aloud: Sophie and the Perfect Poem

Visual/Literary Art Project:

This week’s assignment is to LOOK FOR BEAUTY AROUND YOU and PHOTOGRAPH SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. I encourage you to be reflective and get creative. If you don’t have a camera you can use your phone. (My sample at the end of this post was taken using the camera on my phone.)

This week, we have special treat! Professional photographer, business owner, and humanitarian Amber Raines shares some picture-taking tips with the Community Classroom. Before starting the assignment, check out Amber’s tips below.

Meet Amber

Amber is a professional photographer and friend to the Community Classroom. She describes herself as a “self-taught photographer” who enjoys “reading books about photography, practicing the art of photography as well as editing.”

Amber founded her own company, Murphy Raines Photography, in 2017- the same week she defended her dissertation! (Amber has her PhD in Leadership for Higher Education.)

Amber specializes in Birth Stories as well as photography for branding, lifestyle and special events.

This week, Amber shares her passion and talent with us to help guide our project. Use her tips below to help you complete this week’s project. To see more of Amber’s amazing work and learn about her nonprofit work, click the buttons below.

Amber’s Photography Tips

Great photography is about maximizing your eyes.

Background and Framing

Background is important because you want your photo to be free from distractions or anything that might take away from your main subject. As you remove distractions, you will begin to examine what is left and how you want your photo to be perceived. This takes us to framing.

Framing, draws attention to a specific part of your composition. Look for doorways, openings, and shapes that will help focus attention on your subject. As you practice, you will be able to work your frame by paying attention to every part of it. Remember, framing is powerful and will improve your photo. In the example photo, I included the rock to frame the photo.

Assignment: Take an image using your framing skills.

““One doesn’t stop seeing. One doesn’t stop framing. It doesn’t turn off and turn on. It’s on all the time”
~Annie Leibovitz

”

““You don’t take a photograph, you make it”
~Ansel Adams”

Composition and The Rule of Thirds

In photography, composition means how you position things in your photos. When you draw or build a house, you start with a strong foundation. Think of composition as your strong foundation.

The Rule of Thirds: If you have played tic- tac- toe before, then this portion of the lesson will hopefully be easier to remember. As you look through the lens of your camera or phone, visualize an imaginary tic- tac- toe grid in your lens that divides your picture into thirds. The purpose of the rule of thirds is to capture a picture that is appealing to our eyes. Place your subject near an intersection of the tic-tac-toe grid. In the example photo, the hat was the focal point landing on the rule of thirds.

Assignment: Take an image using the rule of thirds and your framing skills.

Light and Shadows

Even though you cannot pick light up and move it, there is so much magic in it and you can adjust to the light. When you compose your photo, be sure to know where your light is. In photography, you always want to use the light as your personal assistant. By using your eye, you can control the light around you as you compose you frame your photos. The best way to learn about light, is to always practice observing it. If you are sitting at your desk or outside playing with your parents, observe the light around you to see how it is impacting the atmosphere around you. Shadows result from hard natural light. This is why you see your shadow only when the sun is shining bright. In all the examples, I used soft, natural light to avoid shadows.

Assignment: Take an image using each lesson and also control for the light.

““Light is your subject.”
~Henry Carroll. ”

A special thank you to Amber for these gems of information!

Below are my “Some Kind of Beautiful” samples:

“Raindrops”

This is a photograph I took of the rain hitting the window. Rain can represent so many things. It can be seen as something dreadful or something wonderful and helpful. Today, it represents my “Some Kind of Beautiful” because of the peace, stillness, and rest it encourages. ~AJM Ellis

Morning Cup of Coffee

This is probably one of the most BEAUTIFUL sights to me: A Morning Cup of Coffee! :)

~AJM Ellis

I’d LOVE to hear from you and see your amazing work!

Feel free to share your work! Tag me on Instagram @PiecesofAJM I’d love to celebrate your work!

Also, if you have any questions or comments about any of the lessons, submit them using the form below.

Mindful Art Summer Session 5 of 7: “Change”

This Week’s Theme: Change

Morning Positive Affirmations Video By SandZ Affirmations: Click HERE

Journal Prompt:

• What’s something about your life that you would like to change?

• What has changed in your life because of COVID19? How do you feel about the changes?

7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey:

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Read Aloud: “Sammy and the Pecan Pie”

Visual/Literary Art Project: Embracing Change

This week’s art project is all about seeing the positive side of change. COVID19 has impacted more than just school closures and people’s health. It has impacted how we do life. This week’s journal entry and art assignment allow us to process the impact of COVID19 and our feelings about its impact.

Assignment: Create paired pieces that represent “embracing change.”

Reflect!

Make a T chart on a sheet of paper.

Think of the ways COVID19 has changed the way you do life. On the left side, list changes. On the right side, list positive ways of looking at the change. (It’s okay if you can’t think of a positive for ALL of the changes.)

Create!

Choose one “Change” and “Positive Outlook” pair to illustrate. You can draw or paint your illustration. Unleash your creativity!!! There’s no one right way to display your “Change/Positive Outlook” pair.

I’d LOVE to hear from you and see your amazing work!

Feel free to share your work! Tag me on Instagram @PiecesofAJM I’d love to celebrate your work!

Also, if you have any questions or comments about any of the lessons, submit them using the form below.

Mindful Art Summer Session 4 of 7: “Fireworks”

Morning Positive Affirmations Video By SandZ Affirmations: Click HERE

Journal Prompt:

What makes you feel like you could EXPLODE with laughter, tears, anger, or happiness? (Feel free to write about just one or all of them.)

7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey:

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand and then to be Understood

Read Aloud: “Lily and the Yucky Cookies”

Visual/Literary Art Project: Melted crayon “fireworks”

See the steps below for created melted crayon fireworks. If you don’t have a canvas or would just like additional art projects, see the links below for lessons on drawing fireworks.

How to Draw Exploding Fireworks by Art for Kids Hub

How to Draw a Firework by Art for Kids Hub

This Week’s Theme: “Fireworks”

Step 1:

Drizzle “night colors” of paint on your canvas.

I use a sponge brush, but whatever brush you have is fine. I chose black and royal blue as my background colors.

Step 2:

Spread paint to create background.

Add more of whatever color you need. I added more blue.

Step 3:

Choose crayons for your fireworks. While the board is drying, peel the wrapper off of the crayons.

You’ll need glue for the next step. Liquid glue or a glue gun will work.

Step 4:

Break crayons into smaller pieces and glue them on your canvas in the shape of fireworks.

Be creative with your color, shape, and size choices.

Step 5:

Use a blow dryer to melt the crayons.

Wax can splatter. Be sure to put an old sheet or mat around the area that you are working. You can also hold the dryer at a further distance if there is too much splattering.

Step 6:

Add your own flare as well as your signature and date.

(I used paint the same color as my crayons to add dots around my fireworks.)

Be sure to add a title, your name, and the date to the bottom of your piece.

I’d LOVE to hear from you and see your amazing work!

Feel free to share your work! Tag me on Instagram @PiecesofAJM

I’d love to celebrate your work!

Also, if you have any questions or comments about any of the lessons, submit them using the form below.

Mindful Art Summer Session 3 of 7: “Summer Solstice”

This Week’s Theme: “Summer Solstice”

Morning Positive Affirmations Video By SandZ Affirmations: Click HERE

Journal Prompt:

What is your favorite season and why?

What’s something you’ll miss about SPRING?

What’s something you look forward to doing during the SUMMER?

7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey:

Habit #3: Put First Things First

Read Aloud: “A Place for Everything”

Visual/Literary Art Project:

Before starting this week’s project, watch the video blow to learn what the summer solstice is.

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, it's almost time for the summer solstice, the longest day of the year! But if all days have 24 hours, what does the '...

Summer Solstice Poem

1. Brainstorms verbs, action words, related to the sun.

2. Make a list of things you want the sun to do using verbs/action words from your list. (For example, “MELT away fear”)

3. Chose a few thing off of your list and place them on the “Summer Solstice” poem template. (See the steps below for creating the template,)

Summer Solstice Picture

1. Draw, color, or paint a picture that represents summer sun rays.

2. Add the lines to your “Summer Solstice” poem to your picture.

I’d LOVE to hear from you and see your amazing work!

Feel free to share your work! Tag me on Instagram @PiecesofAJM I’d love to celebrate your work!

Also, if you have any questions or comments about any of the lessons, submit them using the form below.

Mindful Art Summer Session 2 of 7 “Dads, Father-figures and Role Models” (Father’s Day Special)

This Week’s Theme: Dads, Father-figures and Role Models

Morning Positive Affirmations Video By SandZ Affirmations: Click HERE

Journal Prompt:

What makes a good father or father-figure? What makes someone a good role model?

Who can I be a role model for?

7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey:

Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind

Read Aloud: “When I Grow Up”

Visual/Literary Art Project: The ART of a Letter

Written words stand the test of time. For fathers day, we’re using our words to show how much we value our dads, father-figures and/or role models. This week’s activity is to use the art of letters and/or words to show how much we care. We’ll be writing letters, creating acronym poems, and adding words to our pictures at articulate honor and appreciation.

Before writing your letter, creating your poem, or drawing your art piece, stir your creative juices and explore what’s in your heart:

• Flip through magazines to find pictures that make you think of the person you’ve decided to honor.

• Look through old photographs of you and the person.

• List adjectives (describing words) and verbs (action words) that related to the person you are writing about.

Write a letter from the heart.

Tell your dad, father-figure or role model what you appreciate about them and how much you care.

To jazz things up a bit, choose decorative paper or create a nice border for your letter.

Acronym Poems

1. Write each letter of your dad’s, father-figure’s, or mentor’s name on a separate line. Get as creative as you’d like with the font.

2. Write a word or phrase about them that begins with the letter on each line.

3. Use the poem in your letter or as an insert in your the card you create.

Draw or paint a picture for dad!

1. Draw a picture for your dad, father-figure or role model.

2. Add words that come to mind when you think of the person you chose to honor.

Other Father’s Day Crafts:

• Father’s Day Award/Ribbon Craft:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtgXg-nxTNk;

• Father’s Day Card:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRNF1MWHFBQ;

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOeAvnSWx0s;

I’d LOVE to hear from you and see your amazing work!

Feel free to share your work! Tag me on Instagram @PiecesofAJM I’d love to celebrate your work!

Also, if you have any questions or comments about any of the lessons, submit them using the form below.

Mindful Art Summer Session 1 of 7: “I Am”

Photo by KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock / Getty Images

“It is SO important that our kids know WHO THEY ARE and UNDERSTAND THEIR WORTH.
It’s also important that our kids see the invaluable worth of others. Here’s to healthy children who will in turn create a healthier society.
~AJM Ellis ”

This Week’s Theme: “I AM”

Morning Positive Affirmations Video By SandZ Affirmations: Click HERE

Journal Prompt:

What makes me me?

What are five things I love about myself?

What’s one thing about myself that I’d like to improve or change?

What does it mean to love myself? Why is it important to love myself?

7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey:

Habit #1: Be Proactive

Read Aloud by Weston LAC: “Just the Way I Am”

Visual/Literary Art Project:

I AM Circles & Symbols

“I AM Circles” Steps:

1. Draw a large circle in the center of a sheet of paper.

2. Write and decorate your name in the center of the circle.

3. OUTSIDE of the circle, write words or phrases that you are NOT- things you never want to be called or described as.

4. INSIDE of the circle, write words that describe you and the person you want to be.

………………………………………………………

“I AM Symbols” Steps:

1. Pick four I AM words or phrases from INSIDE your circle.

2. Choose a symbol to represent these words.

3. On a white index card or on a paper divided into fourths, write and illustrate your I AM word or phrase.

(For help with drawing symbols, plug in “how to draw___” into Youtube search engine.)

*I encourage you to have a discussion about why children choose the words and phrases they choose for their “I AM” and “I AM NOT” spaces.

I’d LOVE to hear from you and see your amazing work!

Feel free to share your work! Tag me on Instagram @PiecesofAJM I’d love to celebrate your work!

Also, if you have any questions or comments about any of the lessons, submit them using the form below.

Community Classroom w/ Zora Bea Presents: Mindful Art (7-Weeks of Reflection & Art)

Greetings everyone!

This summer, Community Classroom presents to you Mindful Art- seven weeks of reflective literary and visual art prompts for students. The purpose of Mindful Art is not only to keep students’ brains stimulated, but also to nourish the spirit and hearts of our children, encouraging them to value their own voices. It it my hope that Mindful Art will facilitate a safe space within your homes for children to practice valuing and articulating their own thoughts and feelings. I encourage you to do the projects with your children. Allow them to hear your reflections, thoughts and how you process the prompts. Then give them a judgement-free, safe space to be open, process, and share their thoughts and feelings about each week’s topics.

Each week’s post will consist of the following:

• Morning Affirmation Video by Sansz Affirmations

• Journal Prompt

• Read Aloud from Sean Covey’s “Seven Habits of Happy Kids” (This a book of short stories, each exemplifies one of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

• Reflective Literary and/or Visual Art Project

Below are the themes for each week as well as the recommended supplies. Own the lessons, make them your own. Swap out supplies. Tweak the instructions. Do what you need to to make them fit your families’ needs and space.

I hope you enjoy the projects and process.

Have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely,

Ashley Ellis

Tentative Summer Schedule

*I recommend purchasing or creating a journal for the summer. Each session will include a journal prompt.

WEEK 1 (June 7th - 13th)

Theme: Who Am I?

Habit: “Be Proactive”

Recommended Supplies: Journal, paper, pencils, color utensils (crayons, markers, color pencils etc.)

WEEK 2 (June 14th - 20th)

Theme: Letters from the Heart for our Dads and Role Models

Habit: “Begin with the End in Mind”

Recommended Supplies: Journal, paper, pencils, color utensils (crayons, markers, color pencils etc.)

WEEK 3 (June 21st - 27th)

Theme: Summer Solstice

Habit: “Put First Things First”

Recommended Supplies: Journal, canvas or thick paper, paint or color utensil (crayons, markers, color pencils etc.), black Sharpie

WEEK 4 (June 28th - July 4th)

Theme: Fireworks

Habit: “Think Win-Win”

Recommended Supplies: Journal, crayons (that you will not need again), liquid glue, blow-dryer, canvas

WEEK 5 (July 5th - 11th)

Theme: Decisions, Doors, & Pathways

Habit: “Seek First to Understand and then to be Understood”

Recommended Supplies: Journal, old magazines or newspaper, construction paper, poster board, scissors, glue, and color utensils (crayons, markers, color pencils etc.), black Sharpie

WEEK 6 (July 12th - 18th)

Theme: Some Kind of Beautiful

Habit: “Synergize”

Recommended Supplies: journal, camera, printer, frame (can make a frame with paper, scissors, and glue)

WEEK 7 (July 19th - 25th)

Theme: High Hopes

Habit: “Sharpen the Saw”

Recommended Supplies: Journal, index cards or construction paper, poster board or large paper, cotton balls, quick-drying glue (glue gun), pencils, color utensils (crayons, markers, color pencils etc.)

Last Week of Community Classroom (Week of May 17th - 23rd)

Assignments & Activities for the Week

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

This Week’s Motivational Video: Kid President + Peanuts/ Life’s a Comic

Click HERE for your own comic strip template from Scholastic.com. What will you do with your day today?! Use the comic strip to plan what you’re going to do with your day. How will you make the most of your day?

Morning Positive Affirmations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud_eeFkzH4w

Word of the Week: INVALUABLE YOU ARE INVALUABLE!! This means YOU are worth SO MUCH that your worth can’t be measured. You are invaluable! YOU are the reason for Community Classroom.

1. Watch the video: “The Reflection in Me” by FableVision

2. Write a letter to your future self. Include FIVE kind sentences to yourself in your letter. Put the letter away until next school year. Open and read your letter on the first day of school.

reading & Language arts nugget

Book of the Week: Oh, The Place’s You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

This Week’s Writing Focus: Paragraph Writing

Writing Assignments:

1. Watch the video below about paragraph writing: How to Write a Paragraph Video

2. Write THREE paragraphs:

   • Monday: Paragraph #1: The Best Thing About This School Year

   • Tuesday: Paragraph #2: The Worst Thing About This School Year

   • Wednesday: Paragraph #3: What I Learned While At Home This School Year

   • Thursday: EDIT & REVISE your paragraphs; Rewrite them after fixing your errors.

3. Your paragraph should have a topic sentence, followed by two to three sentences that include supporting details. Use the video above to help you through the steps to writing a good paragraph.

4. Draw an illustration to match your paragraph’s topic.

5. Share your work! Post a picture of your best paragraph and tag me @PiecesofAJM on Instagram so that I can celebrate your work.

BREAK ACTIvITIES

Movement Break:

• Electric Slide by Maximo/GoNoodle

• Celebrate by Blazer Fresh/GoNoodle

ART

This Week’s Art Project: TRANSPORTATION

• How to Draw a Rocket

• How to Draw a Car (Preschool)

• How to Draw a Ski Boat

• How to Draw a Hot Air Balloon

• How to Draw a Jet

For more lessons, check out “How to Draw Vehicles” at the Art for Kids Hub: Click HERE.

End of Year Review/Summer Practice by Grade Level:

Pre-K

• “Ice Cream Social” https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ice-Cream-Social-End-of-Year-Review-1858901;

• SIGHT WORDS Lists & Activities: https://sightwords.com/sight-words/dolch/;

• ReadBrightly.com Summer Reading List: https://www.readbrightly.com/summer-reading-central/

• Additional Resources:

  • https://www.prekinders.com/summer-packet/;

  • The Reading Mama: https://thisreadingmama.com/free-summer-pre-kk-pack-updated-expanded/;

  • https://www.pre-kpages.com/summer-learning/;

KINDERGARTEN

• Kindergarten Math Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Math-Spiral-Review-Kindergarten-Math-Homework-FREE-1877563;

• Kindergarten Language Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop:

  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindergarten-Language-Spiral-Review-2-Weeks-FREE-2222782;

• Mixed Review: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Review-Free-2573954;

• SIGHT WORDS Lists & Activities: https://sightwords.com/sight-words/dolch/;

• ReadBrightly.com Summer Reading List: https://www.readbrightly.com/summer-reading-central/

FIRST GRADE

• 1st Grade Math Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Spiral-Math-Spiral-Review-Quizzes-1st-Grade-Math-Homework-FREE-1367654;

• 1st Grade Language Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/1st-Grade-Language-Spiral-Review-Quizzes-1st-Grade-Grammar-Practice-FREE-2001758;

• SIGHT WORDS Lists & Activities: https://sightwords.com/sight-words/dolch/;

• ReadBrightly.com Summer Reading List: https://www.readbrightly.com/summer-reading-central/

SECOND GRADE

• 2nd Grade Math Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2nd-Grade-Math-Spiral-Review-2-Weeks-FREE-1243625; ;

• 2nd Language Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2nd-Grade-Language-Spiral-Review-2nd-Grade-Grammar-Review-FREE-1940991;

• https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Second-Grade-End-of-the-Year-Math-Review-1858986;

• SIGHT WORDS Lists & Activities: https://sightwords.com/sight-words/dolch/;

• ReadBrightly.com Summer Reading List: https://www.readbrightly.com/summer-reading-central/

THIRD GRADE

• 3rd Grade Math Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3rd-Grade-Math-Spiral-Review-Quizzes-FREE-1014165;

• 3rd Grade Language Spiral Review & Quiz by One Stop Teacher Shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3rd-Grade-Language-Spiral-Review-Quizzes-FREE-1650791;

• SIGHT WORDS Lists & Activities: https://sightwords.com/sight-words/dolch/;

• ReadBrightly.com Summer Reading List: https://www.readbrightly.com/summer-reading-central/

ENCOURAGEMENT CORNER FOR PARENTS & CARETAKERS

Check out this article written by Tanisha Foster- health educator, mother of two, distance learning teacher of four and founder of CHOP Friendly:

https://birmingham.citymomsblog.com/health-and-wellness/food-allergies-covid-19/

May you find encouragement in knowing that you are not alone. May you also be encouraged to share your experiences with others. There’s power and help to be found in the sharing of our stories.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• FREE Teacher-Pay-Teachers Year Review Packets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Grade-Level/Pre-K,Kindergarten,First,Second,Third/Price-Range/Free/Search:review;

• Common Core Standards (41 of the 50 states use these) The standards are a good baseline for what your child should learn in each subject and in each grade.

• Reading A to Z - not free, but 14 day free trial  (This allows you to access books on your child’s reading level as well as have access to corresponding comprehension/recall questions for each story.) https://www.readinga-z.com/  

• Reading Response Worksheets (Click the links and download FREE reading response forms):

  • SLAM - Reading response: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SLAM-Response-Guided-Reading-Response-163519

  • Fiction Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Responses-153661

  • PreK/K Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Worksheet-Free-2266573

  • Reading Response Choice Boards: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Choice-Boards-3216841

• Sight word worksheets, games, and videos: https://www.education.com/resources/sight-words/

If you have any questions, comments, or resources to share, please use the form below.

Coming Soon: Mindful Art Summer Sessions

Community Classroom with Zora Bea will be having EIGHT Summer Sessions Called: Mindful Art for Kids. Mindful Art for Kids will begin the week of May 31st and last throughout the week of July 19th. These sessions will include a weekly: a read aloud from The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey, a journal prompt, and a visual or literary art project.

Supplies needed for each session will be posted soon. ALL sessions will require a journal, notebook, or paper that can be used for journaling.

More information coming soon…

Community Classroom (Week of May 10th - 16th)

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

This Week’s Motivational Video: Little Lights/Hope Works CBC Kids

Morning Positive Affirmations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud_eeFkzH4w

Word of the Week: HOPE; Click here for the definition.

1. Draw a picture of what HOPE means to you. Use a sentence or sentences to explain your picture. Don’t worry about spelling. Sound your words out! (PreK: Tell an adult what your picture means and have them write your sentence for you.)

2. Watch this week’s motivational video. How does the little girl in the video give hope?

3. Write a response to the following journal prompts:

   • What is something you are hoping for?

   • What are ways you can give others hope?

   • Why is it important to have hope?

MATH

Number of the Week: 0 Number Story: Zero by Kathryn Otoshi

Reflection Questions: How did Zero see himself at the beginning of the story? How did he feel about himself by the end of the story? What gave Zero hope?

Zero Rules:

• Zero and addition:

  • Adding Zero Mini-Lesson

  • Adding Zero Video/Song

• Zero and subtraction

  • Subtracting Zero Mini-Lesson

  • Subtracting Zero Video/Song

  • Subtracting Across Zero (Regrouping)

• Zero in multiplication

  • Zero Multiplication Facts

  • Multiplying by Numbers that End in Zero

Assignments:

PreK-K: Ordering Numbers Packet

1st - 3rd: Addition and Subtraction Facts Worksheets

2nd - 3rd:

• Make flashcards and review multiplication facts. (Multiplication Charts and Flash Cards)

• Multiplication Practice

LANGUAGE & READING

Vowel of the Week: long vowel e

• long vowel e mini-lesson/song

• long e (vowel pair) song

Assignments:

K-3rd: Short/Long Vowel Sort

1st - 3rd: Long Vowel Sorting Practice

Book of the Week: “A Flicker of Hope” by Julia Cook

Reading Response Questions

• What was wrong with the little candle?

• What gifts did he have?

• What are your gifts?

This Week’s Writing Focus:

Writing Assignments: Journaling

Take time each day to write about your thoughts and feelings. (Drawings count too!) It doesn’t have to be long. Don’t worry about spelling, but be sure to put the date at the top of each entry. If you feel stuck, start off answering one of the following questions:

• What did you do today?

• What do you hope will happen today?

• How are you feeling? Why?

Pre-K and K: Journaling for kindergartners video

K-3rd: Quarantine Journaling Mini-Lesson

BREAK ACTIVITIES

Brain Break: Check out these Hidden Picture Activities

Movement Break:

• By, Bye, Buy/GoNoodle

• Pump It Up by Fresh Start Fitness/GoNoodle

ART

This Week’s Art Project: Drawing Birds

• How to Draw a Bird Video #1

• How to Draw a Bird Video #2

SHARE YOUR WORK WITH THE CLASS!

Parents: I’d love to celebrate your child’s hard work! Feel free to share pictures of their hard work. Tag me @piecesofajm #communityclassroomw/ZoraBea I’ll pick one or two to post and celebrate!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• KEEN (Kid Enjoy Exercise Now) - exercise, fitness, and fun for children of various abilities and who are differently abled

• Journaling & Children’s Emotions (PBS video for parents): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAckcoesj4s;

• Online Teaching Resources for Teachers and Families/ Common Sense Media: http://wideopenschool.org

• Online Preschool by the Atlanta Speech School:  https://www.coxcampus.org/onlinepreschool/

• Atlanta Speech School Resources for children (birth to 5 years of age): www.coxcampus.org/talkreadplay

• TeachersPayTeachers: (Downloadable/Printable resources) This is a great source for worksheets, lesson plans, center ideas, and more. Some items are free.

• Common Core Standards (41 of the 50 states use these) The standards are a good baseline for what your child should learn in each subject and in each grade.

• Reading A to Z - not free, but 14 day free trial  (This allows you to access books on your child’s reading level as well as have access to corresponding comprehension/recall questions for each story.) https://www.readinga-z.com/  

• Reading Response Worksheets (Click the links and download FREE reading response forms):

  • SLAM - Reading response: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SLAM-Response-Guided-Reading-Response-163519

  • Fiction Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Responses-153661

  • PreK/K Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Worksheet-Free-2266573

  • Reading Response Choice Boards: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Choice-Boards-3216841

• Sight word worksheets, games, and videos: https://www.education.com/resources/first-grade/sight-words/

If you have any questions, comments, or resources to share, please use the form below.

Community Classroom (Week of May 3rd - 9th)

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

This Week’s Motivational Video: Kid President: 25 Reason to be Thankful

Morning Positive Affirmations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud_eeFkzH4w

Word of the Week: Gratitude (Click our word of the week for the definition.)

• “My Gratitude Jar” by Kristin Wiens

• Create a Gratitude Jar. (You can use whatever you’d like for your jar. It could be a shoebox, cup, etc.) Add something you are grateful for to your jar each day for 7 days. (If you can’t spell it, draw it.)

• Go on a Gratitude Scavenger Hunt: Click HERE for the scavenger hunt list.

• For Mother’s Day: Create a separate Gratitude Jar JUST FOR MOM. Add something about your mom that you appreciate or are grateful for each day from now until Mother’s Day.

***history/Cultural corner***

In honor of Cinco de Mayo this week:

• “What is Cinco de Mayo?” video

• PBS What is Cinco de Mayo video (2nd or 3rd grade)

• Mini-lesson on Mexican music: Mariachi “Kaia Kids Around the World: The Music of Mexico”

• Printable/Online Coloring Sheet: Mexican Flag

MATH

Shapes of the Week: Circle & Sphere

How many circle and sphere shaped objects can you find in your home or around your community?

Math Focus of the Week: FRACTIONS

Introduction to Fractions Video: Click HERE.

Additional Fraction Video: Click HERE.

Assignments:

1. Fraction Practice (K-1st)

2. Fraction Match up (1st -3rd)

3. Fraction Practice Worksheet #1

4. Fraction Practice Worksheet #2

5. **Cinco de Mayo Math review sheets

LANGUAGE & READING

Letters of the Week: Cc (hard Cc and soft Cc) and Kk

*Mini-lesson Videos:

• Mini-Lesson #1 Hard & Soft Cc

• Mini-lesson #2 Hard & Soft Cc and Gg (review)

• Mini-Lesson #3 Hard & Soft Cc and Gg (review)

• Click HERE for the letter Kk.

PreK-1st: Find items around your home, in a book, or outside that begin or end with one of the letters of the week.

• Click here for “Find the Letter C game.”

• Click here for “Find the Letter C game.”

1st - 3rd:

• Click HERE to review Hard and Soft Cc Posters. Choose FIVE hard Cc and FIVE soft Cc words to use in a sentence. Draw an illustration to match your sentence.

• Practice with hard and soft Cc: Worksheet #1

Vowel of the Week:

long o silent e mini-lesson

long o vowel teams mini-lesson #1 (long)

long o vowel teams mini-lesson #2 (short)

Assignments: K-2nd Mini-book to practice reading long o words. More Long-o practice

Digraph: ck

• ck mini-lesson

• ck song

• ck interactive notebook

Books of the Week:

• Marco’s Cinco de Mayo

• Cinco de Mayo (chapter book) - 2nd or 3rd grade

More Practice/Assignment:

• Cinco de Mayo Flip Book (Reading & Activity Sheets)

• Assignment: Write a letter to a friend or family member about what you’ve learned about Cinco de Mayo. Include a picture at the end of your letter. (For a mini-lesson on letter writing, look at last week’s videos.)

This Week’s Writing Focus: Informational Writing

Writing Assignments:

PreK- K: Draw and label a picture that shows THREE FACTS you learned about Cinco de Mayo.

K- 1st: Write THREE sentences about FACTS you’ve learned about Cinco de Mayo. Draw a picture to match each sentence.

1st - 3rd: Use the videos below to help you write an information text about Cinco de Mayo. It doesn’t have to be long! Just make an effort to include the parts listed below.

Below are mini-lessons and a suggested guide:

• Monday:

  • Watch “What is Informational Writing?”

  • Watch “Brainstorming & Choosing a Topic”

  • Watch Cinco de Mayo Videos from our History Corner above.

• Tuesday:

  • Watch “Making a Plan.”

  • Watch “Writing an Introduction” and write your introduction.

• Wednesday:

  • Watch “Writing a Draft” and begin your draft.

• Thursday:

  • Watch “Making a Table of Contents” and “Making a Glossary”

  • If you’ve created a book, add a table of contents.

  • Pick two or three words to create a glossary. Pick words that you learned from this week’s stories or videos. For example: mariachi,

• Friday:

  • Review and Edit your writing. Make changes and corrections as needed. SHARE your work with someone.

BREAK ACTIVITIES

Brain Break: Check out these Hidden Picture Activities

Movement Break:

• Young Dylan Dance Along/GoNoodle

• The Ball is in Your Court/GoNoodle

• Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Mexican Hat Dance Tutorial: Video

ART

This Week’s Art Project: MOTHER’S DAY CARDS!!! (Mother’s Day is May 10th!)

• How to Draw a Bouquet of Flowers

• Mother’s Day Cards

• Decorate a Gratitude Jar for your Mom. Write down things you are grateful for. Fill the jar with words of gratitude (things your are thankful for).

SHARE YOUR WORK WITH THE CLASS!

Parents: I’d love to celebrate your child’s hard work! Feel free to share pictures of their hard work. Tag me @piecesofajm #communityclassroomw/ZoraBea I’ll pick one or two to post and celebrate!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• SCIENCE PROJECTS courtesy of Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering:

  • http://eng.auburn.edu/files/dev-science-recipe-cards-3 “Homemade Play Dough”

  • http://eng.auburn.edu/files/dev-science-recipe-cards-2 “Rainbow in a Glass”

  • http://eng.auburn.edu/files/dev-science-recipe-cards-1 “How to Make a Volcano”

• Online Teaching Resources for Teachers and Families/ Common Sense Media: http://wideopenschool.org

• Online Preschool by the Atlanta Speech School:  https://www.coxcampus.org/onlinepreschool/

• Atlanta Speech School Resources for children (birth to 5 years of age): www.coxcampus.org/talkreadplay

• TeachersPayTeachers: (Downloadable/Printable resources) This is a great source for worksheets, lesson plans, center ideas, and more. Some items are free.

• Common Core Standards (41 of the 50 states use these) The standards are a good baseline for what your child should learn in each subject and in each grade.

• Reading A to Z - not free, but 14 day free trial  (This allows you to access books on your child’s reading level as well as have access to corresponding comprehension/recall questions for each story.) https://www.readinga-z.com/  

• Reading Response Worksheets (Click the links and download FREE reading response forms):

  • SLAM - Reading response: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SLAM-Response-Guided-Reading-Response-163519

  • Fiction Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Responses-153661

  • PreK/K Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Worksheet-Free-2266573

  • Reading Response Choice Boards: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Choice-Boards-3216841

• Sight word worksheets, games, and videos: https://www.education.com/resources/first-grade/sight-words/

If you have any questions, comments, or resources to share, please use the form below.

Community Classroom (Week of April 26th - May 2nd)

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

This Week’s Motivational Video: “Color Your World with Kindness”

Morning Positive Affirmations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud_eeFkzH4w

Word of the Week: EMPATHY (Click the word of the week for a definition.)

• Building Empathy for Kids (video)

• “I Am Human” (book)

• Empathy Game

MATH

(Check back on Wednesday for additional math assignments.)

Shapes of the Week: Square & Cube

Watch the videos about shapes below. How many things shaped like squares and cubes can you find around your home?

• 2-Dimensional (flat) Shapes Video

  • Name the Shape Game (Song)

• 3-Dimensional shapes Video

• Assignments:

  • 1st grade: Identifying shape: Worksheet #1, Worksheet #2

  • 2nd grade: Identifying 2-D shapes Worksheet # 1; Worksheet #2

  • 3rd grade: Watch the Quadrilateral Video

    • Identifying Quadrilaterals Worksheet #1; Worksheet #2; types of quadrilaterals worksheet #3; worksheet #4

LANGUAGE arts

Letters of the Week: Bb, Dd, Qq

For help distinguishing b from d, click HERE.

PreK-K: Find items around your home, in a book, or outside that begin or end with one of the letters of the week.

• Find the Letter Bb video

• Find the Letter Dd video

• Find the letter Qq video

1st: Find three items that begin with each of the letters of the week. Use them in a sentence. (Example: Ll is for lamp. Turn on the lamp.)

2nd - 3rd: Find three items that begin with each letter of the week. List three adjectives (describing words) for each item. Use one pair of words in a sentence. (Example: L is for light. My three adjectives are bright lamp, dim light, mysterious light. My sentences is: He was trying to find out where the mysterious light was coming from. ;)

Vowel of the Week: Silent e and Long “a” (Click each below.)

• silent e

• long a (with silent e)

• long a (vowel pair)

Practice Worksheets: Silent e (K-1st) and Silent e word unscramble (1st)

Digraphs: th, ch, wh, sh, ph (Click on each digraph for a mini-lesson.)

PreK-3rd: Click here for practice worksheet packet with consonant blends and digraphs. There are about 49 pages. Don’t try to complete them all in one week. You can go to the digraphs on pages: 41-49. PreK and K can draw pictures of words rather than write the word depending on their ability. 2nd and 3rd grade use it as a review.

1st - 2nd: Click here to read the passage and complete the comprehension questions.

2nd - 3rd: Click here to practice with the digraph wh.

Spelling

Take one set at at time. Practice spelling each word. Have someone quiz you. When you get all of them right, move on to the next set of words.

• 1st Grade

• 2nd Grade

• 3rd Grade

Fun Syllable Review: Clap it Out by Blazer Fresh & GoNoodle Video (Click the title for syllable practice.)

Reading Focus: Friendly Letters

Book of the Week: “Dear Mr. Blueberry by Simon James

More Practice:

• “Can I be Your Dog?”

• The Day the Crayons Quit”

• “I Wanna Iguana”

This Week’s Writing Focus: Friendly Letter => How to Write a Friendly Letter Mini-Lesson

• Friendly Letter Template PreK-K: Click HERE.

• Friendly Letter Template (1st - 3rd): Click HERE.

Writing Assignments: Think of someone who could you some encouragement or kind words. Write them a letter and mail or email it to them. (PreK-K: Draw a picture and have a parent or family member help you write the words in your letter. 1st - 3rd: Don’t stress about spelling. Focus on thinking about kind words to say to someone in your letter. Do your best to sound out your words. Draw a picture to match your letter. Remember, it’s the thought that counts most, not perfect spelling!

BREAK ACTIVITIES

Movement Break:

• Elmo’s Got the Moves

• Get Yo Body Moving by GoNoodle

ART

This Week’s Art Project: Drawing Shapes

• How to Draw Shapes

• How to Draw 3D Shapes

• How to Draw an Underwater Scene Using Shapes

• How to Make an Underwater Scene Using Shapes

SHARE YOUR WORK WITH THE CLASS!

Parents: I’d love to celebrate your child’s hard work! Feel free to share pictures of their hard work. Tag me @piecesofajm #communityclassroomwithZoraBea I’ll pick one or two to posts to showcase.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Geometry Worksheets by Grade Level (K5Learning.com)

  • Click the grade level to access corresponding geometry worksheets: 1, 2, 3

• FREE Online Preschool by the Atlanta Speech School:  https://www.coxcampus.org/onlinepreschool/

• SCIENCE PROJECTS courtesy of Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering:

  • http://eng.auburn.edu/files/dev-science-recipe-cards-3 “Homemade Play Dough”

  • http://eng.auburn.edu/files/dev-science-recipe-cards-2 “Rainbow in a Glass”

  • http://eng.auburn.edu/files/dev-science-recipe-cards-1 “How to Make a Volcano”

• Online Teaching Resources for Teachers and Families/ Common Sense Media: http://wideopenschool.org

• Atlanta Speech School Resources for children (birth to 5 years of age): www.coxcampus.org/talkreadplay

• TeachersPayTeachers: (Downloadable/Printable resources) This is a great source for worksheets, lesson plans, center ideas, and more. Some items are free.

• Common Core Standards (41 of the 50 states use these) The standards are a good baseline for what your child should learn in each subject and in each grade.

• Reading A to Z - not free, but 14 day free trial  (This allows you to access books on your child’s reading level as well as have access to corresponding comprehension/recall questions for each story.) https://www.readinga-z.com/  

• Reading Response Worksheets (Click the links and download FREE reading response forms):

  • SLAM - Reading response: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SLAM-Response-Guided-Reading-Response-163519

  • Fiction Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Responses-153661

  • PreK/K Reading Response Sheets: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Worksheet-Free-2266573

  • Reading Response Choice Boards: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Response-Choice-Boards-3216841

• Sight word worksheets, games, and videos: https://www.education.com/resources/first-grade/sight-words/

If you have any questions, comments, or resources to share, please use the form below.